Method of configuring an LED driver, LED driver, LED assembly and method of controlling an LED assembly

Abstract

A method of configuring an LED driver is disclosed. The LED driver being arranged to provide a supply current to an LED fixture comprising a plurality of LEDs. The method comprises: identifying the LED fixture (LF)1 sending via a communication network (NTW) a configuration request to a configuration database (DB), receiving configuration data from the configuration database; and configuring the LED driver (LPS) according to the configuration data.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe invention relates to a method of configuring an LED driver, an LED driver, an LED assembly and a method of controlling an LED assembly.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIn the field of LED illumination technology, a variety of products are on the market today. In order to provide an illumination solution for a given application, an installer selects one or more LED assemblies (each comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs)) as well as one or more LED drivers in order to drive the LEDs under appropriate electrical conditions. An LED assembly can also be referred to as an LED engine. In order to have an LED driver (an LED driver in general comprising a power converter for providing a supply power and a control unit for controlling the power converter and / or an LED fixture) drive a particular LED fixture under appropriate electrical conditions, such as LED current, duty cycle, color, maximum power dissipation, etc., the configuration of the LED driver is...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

In an embodiment, the algorithm as provided to the control unit by downloading a program enables the control unit to generate a value for the control signal from a value of the input signal based on one or more parameters of the LED assembly or its environment.

By determining the relationship between the control signal and the input signal based on an algorithm, the algorithm e.g. applying one or more parameters of the LED assembly or the environment, the behaviour of an LED assembly controlled by a control unit according to the invention can be adjusted easily to varying user requirements or changes to the LED assembly. By downloading the program / algorithm, the control unit can host a wealth of functionality despite limited resources. Limited resources enable miniaturization and or high efficiency. Therefore downloading can be used to further miniaturize or increase efficiency while still having the same degree of applicability of the control unit and thus LED driver over all possible applications.

Problems solved by technology

Given the different types of LED assemblies and the different types of LED power supplies (or power converters), installation appears to be prone to errors, which may result in incorrect light output or even damaging of the LED fixture and / or the LED driver, due to exceeding a maximum current, maximum duty cycle, maximum power dissipation etc. of the LED fixture and / or the LED driver.

Whether due to a defective or invalid installation causing a light output which differs from a user's expectations, an incorrect configuration of the LED driver may result in additional cost, additional installation time, waste of valuable resources by damaging power supplies and / or LED assemblies, etc.

Such a predetermined behaviour of the control unit may however render the control unit unsuitable to adjust to changes implemented in e.g. the LED fixture, the power converter or the input signal or when a different response is required / desired by a user.

In addition, such a predetermined behaviour may limit the application of the control unit in a dynamic environment e.g. to control an LED assembly having a modular product concept.

Images